Scalloped Hammerhead
Scalloped Hammerhead
Sphyrna lewini
Life History
Description and Diagnostic Characteristics: The head is broadly arched and hammer-shaped, marked by prominent indentations at the mid-line (“scalloped”). The pelvic fins have straight rear margins. Its color is deep olive to brownish-gray above, shading to white below and has no interdorsal ridge.
Size: Can be up to about 12 feet
Age at Maturity: Males reach maturity at lengths of 5.9 feet total length, females mature at 8.2 feet total length
Range: Massachusetts to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.
Habitat: Coastal and offshore, primarily in water warmer than 72°F in coastal bays and surfaces waters to at least 900 feet.
Angling Information
Bait and Tackle: Live or fresh-dead baitfish with light tackle
Fishing Method: Still fishing, drifting
Food Value: Good
State Regulation
Daily Limit: 1 per angler or boat, which ever is less (This is a composite regulation grouping all sharks, except Atlantic sharpnose, Bonnethead, and Spiny dogfish, into this 1 per angler or boat limit. This does not include the sharks prohibited from harvest. If you are unsure of the species and whether you can keep it, release it) For more information see the federal regulations.
Minimum size: 78″ FL
